A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mykonos vs. Antalya for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Mykonos or Antalya?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Mykonos and Antalya. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Mykonos

Mykonos is a postcard perfect, glamourous, and party-oriented Greek island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Antalya

Antalya is a vibrant, high energy, and relaxing vacation spot. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Mykonos and Antalya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mykonos or Antalya?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Antalya than Mykonos, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Antalya is more popular for its museums, music, beaches, and hiking, while Mykonos is known for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Mykonos is popular for its active party scene, luxury accommodation, and picturesque villages. Antalya is popular for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. It is also home to Hadrian's Gate.

How is Mykonos different from Antalya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Antalya and Mykonos. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mykonos or Antalya?

Antalya is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Mykonos is not as famous, but is still a good Greek island to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Antalya. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Mykonos. Visitors enjoy checking out the windmills and churches around the island. You can also hop over to Delos to see its archeological sites.

Is the Food Better in Mykonos or Antalya? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mykonos is an amazing Greek island to visit for its restaurants. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Mykonos is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Like most things on the island, food is expensive, but its also very good. Make sure you try the louza sausage, kopanisti cheese, and melopita pie.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Antalya makes for a great culinary experience. Food is excellent throughout Turkey and this city is no exception. The local cuisine offers a combination of fresh caught seafood as well as various grilled meats. Local specialties include meatball skewers, kulakli soup, and even lentil ice cream. The traditional Turkish breakfast is also popular, which usually includes hard boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and Turkish breads or pastries. It's almost always served with Turkish tea.

Is Mykonos or Antalya Better for Nightlife?

Mykonos is an amazing Greek island to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Mykonos has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. With many exclusive clubs and bars, this island is among the best for nightlife in Greece. Popular options include Tropicana Club, Scarpa, and Super Paradise Beach Club.

Antalya is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has an insane nightlife scene with huge glamorous dance clubs that fill to the brink as well as low key bars and pubs that everyone can enjoy.

Is Mykonos or Antalya Better for Music?

Antalya is a good destination for its live music scene. However, Mykonos is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Antalya. Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.

Mykonos is not a live music destination.

Is Mykonos or Antalya Better for Resorts?

There are amazing resorts to choose from in both Mykonos and Antalya.

Vacationers flock to Mykonos for its luxury resorts. There are many world class luxury resorts on the island that offer a variety of amenities including pools, restaurants, and spas. Popular options include Myconian Avaton Resort, Myconian Imperial Resort and Villas, and Myconian Utopia Resort.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Antalya is a great choice. The city is famous for its resorts that range from luxury to family-friendly. Some of the most popular resorts in the area include Xanadu Resort Hotel, Susesi, and Lara Barut, but there are many more.

Is Mykonos or Antalya Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mykonos is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Mykonos. There are many good diving and snorkeling spots around the island include shipwrecks and reefs with good visibility.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Antalya. Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.

Is Mykonos or Antalya Better for Beaches?

Antalya is an unbeatable place for the beache. Also, Mykonos is not as famous, but is still a good Greek island to visit for the beach.

Antalya offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.

Mykonos is considered a top beach destination. This island has become popular for its sandy beaches, but these days they come with a high price. Many are lined with umbrellas and sunbeds that you can rent. They often have bars that bring high energy and loud music. The water is often calm enough to enjoy swimming or water sports. Most of the best beaches are on the southern side of the island, but there are less crowds on the northern side, although the weather may not be as good.

Is Mykonos or Antalya Better for its Old Town?

Mykonos is an amazing Greek island to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Mykonos offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Chora, the old town and largest town on the island, is filled with windmills, cafes, churches, and charming streets.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Antalya. The city has a beautiful old town area, Kaleiçi, that is known for its narrow streets and historic buildings. The area has many sights including Hadrian's Gate.

Is Mykonos or Antalya Better for Hiking?

Antalya is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for its hiking trails.

Antalya is a popular spot for hiking. Outside of town you'll find coastal hikes with scenic views as well as trails that wander through historic ruins.

While not known for its hiking, Mykonos has a few options. This island doesn't have any real hiking but you can walk to the beach along the road. The island is mostly flat.

Is the Shopping Better in Mykonos or Antalya?

Both Mykonos and Antalya are amazing shopping destinations.

The abundance of shops in Mykonos make it a world-class shopping destination. This island has become the playground for celebrities and the wealthy, so there are plenty of shopping opportunities in town.

Many people travel to Antalya specifically to go shopping. Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.

Is Mykonos or Antalya Better for Families?

Antalya is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for its kid-friendly activities.

Antalya is a very kid-friendly vacation spot. The city has beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and resorts that cater specifically to families. It's a popular family-friendly destination in Turkey.

Mykonos is not always a place people visit with their families. This island is a bit of a party destination, so many people choose alternative islands when visiting Greece with their kids. If you do head to Mykonos, you'll find nice beaches and some good museums.

Is Mykonos or Antalya Better for Couples?

Mykonos is an amazing Greek island to visit for couples. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Mykonos makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy beautiful coastal settings with a great party scene will love a vacation or honeymoon to this Greek island.

Couples visit Antalya frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Antalya is a top-rated honeymoon destination in Turkey. It's beautiful beaches, romantic resorts, and great shopping put it at the top of many couples' list.

Is Mykonos or Antalya Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antalya is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for backpackers and budget travelers.

Antalya is a great vacation spot to visit for backpackers. Despite the many resorts in town, there are also budget accommodation options available including hostels. Backpackers appreciate Antalya's impressive old town as well as the area's stunning beaches.

Mykonos is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The island appeals to the wealthy and glamourous, but for backpackers and budget travelers, there are a few budget-friendly hotels. It'll be a bit harder to find affordable food though, as restaurants can be quite expensive.

Is Mykonos or Antalya Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Antalya is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Mykonos is not as famous, but is still a good Greek island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Antalya has some very good public transit options. Buses and minibuses will help you get around town.

Mykonos has some public transit options. There is a bus system that connects the towns and beaches on the island. Both major bus stations are on the western side of the island.

Is Mykonos or Antalya a more walkable city?

Mykonos is an amazing Greek island to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Mykonos. Walking is actually one of the only ways to get around town.

Antalya is somewhat walkable. The historic area in particular is compact, filled with historic sights, and easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Mykonos Worth Visiting? and Is Antalya Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Antalya or Mykonos?

How long in Mykonos or Antalya?

In either Mykonos or Antalya, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Antalya has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Antalya than Mykonos. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mykonos, and 2-5 days is enough time in Antalya.

Families should spend more time in Antalya than Mykonos. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Antalya, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Mykonos than Antalya. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Mykonos that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Antalya than Mykonos if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Antalya.

One day in Mykonos or Antalya?

In Mykonos, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This Greek island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Antalya, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This vacation spot offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Mykonos or Antalya?

In Mykonos, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

In Antalya, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Antalya has to offer.

Five days in Mykonos or Antalya?

Mykonos is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mykonos has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Antalya is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Antalya has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Mykonos or Antalya?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mykonos. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Mykonos. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Antalya. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Antalya. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Greece, The Best Bicycle Tours in Greece, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, and The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mykonos and Antalya, we can see that Mykonos is more expensive. And not only is Antalya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Antalya would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Antalya and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Mykonos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mykonos than you might in Antalya.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mykonos Expensive? and Is Antalya Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mykonos or Antalya?

Antalya has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Mykonos. When comparing the sizes of Mykonos and Antalya, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.